I am the Scoutmaster of Troop 752 in Canton, Ga. Our Troop is about 91% Tree Hangers and we want to continue to encourage new members and other Scouts towards the advantages of hammock camping.

Someone in the troop came up with an idea to offer an [Unofficial] Hammock Camping Merit Badge, and I thought it was such a great idea I wanted to ask for the Forums help in creating it.

So, If you were coming up with requirements for the BSA [Unofficial] Hammock Camping Merit Badge to teach scouts how to hammock Camp, what would they be?

Example:
1. Show the parts of an equipped camping hammock
2. Show how to properly hang a hammock
a. Show how to protect the tree from damage
b. Demonstrate 2 techniques to fasten your hammock to a tree

So, what do you got? Anyone care to help a Scoutmaster create the first (Unofficial) BSA Hammock Camping Merit Badge?

Thanks

04-18-2011, 20:52

packeagle

2c show proper hammock sight selection, makeing sure to hang clear of widow makers and dead support trees.
3 Show first aid for hammock related injuries. (BSA merit badges always has a first aid requirement!)

* telling the parts of a hammock should be done in the Billy Bob/Slingblade voice * :rolleyes:

04-18-2011, 21:02

swampfox

There is an assortment of knots used by hammockers that aren't part of the Scout requirements.
Trucker's Hitch, Garda Hitch, Marlin Spike Hitch, Prusik, Siberian Hitch, and Lark's Head just to name a few.

I think they would really enjoy learning to make a Whoopie Sling.

List precautions needed to stay warm , even if it's not that cold.

04-18-2011, 21:04

GrizzlyAdams

3. Describe the characteristics of a good site with respect to safety and protection from the elements.

4. Show how to pitch a rectangular tarp in order to get protection from wind and rain on three sides.

5. Discuss the importance of under-insulation and describe different methods hammockers use to achieve it.

6. Use a hammock to camp overnight for at least 5 nights.

7. Demonstrate how to have hot breakfast in your hammock by heating water with an alcohol stove without causing your silnylon tarp to turn into a burning death trap. :cool:

04-18-2011, 21:05

dacubsman

Identify what is a "whoopie sling", marlin spike hitch, and what is "wooo buddy"

History of hammocks

Just some thoughts

04-18-2011, 21:11

^shane^

Quote:

Originally Posted by dacubsman

...and what is "wooo buddy"

:lol::lol::lol:

As already offered, include knots, first aid, site selection. Could also talk about structural ridge lines and sag.

DIY hammocks are CHEAP. What about a requirement that the Scout has to build his own hammock?

Just be sure it's fun and easy to get (since it's not official... yet...). Love the idea.

04-18-2011, 21:39

OneEye

discuss weights of hammock systems including insulation, and compare them to a) a backpacking tent based sleeping system, and b) an ultralight tarp-based sleeping system.

I love the "hammock related injuries" requirement. We should have a thread dedicated to those. 1. broken toggle injury, 2. Tree was not firmly rooted injury, 3. Silnylon fireball death-trap injury. What am I missing?

04-18-2011, 22:09

Triptease

1. Discuss the pros and cons/differences between hammock camping and tent camping and explain the unique differences of hammock camping

2. Explain how hammock camping contributes to the adherence of Leave No Trace principles